 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
Freedom of ChoicePosted 11/12/1998By Carl Miller, AAM Because of this opportunity, I am very excited and proud of the action taken at the September board meeting to remove the mandatory membership requirement. In short, this requirement forces regular members of ASA to join all levels of the association - national, affiliate and chapter - serving their area. While some areas may be represented only at the national level, it is not uncommon for annual dues to exceed $600 in areas represented by multiple levels of ASA. By removing the mandatory membership requirement and replacing it with a new freedom of choice member benefit, we are removing an obstacle that has stunted the growth and influence of ASA. This new freedom of choice benefit takes effect Jan. 1, 1999. Individuals will be free to join ASA at any or all levels. It is our goal to grow ASA nationally, at the affiliate level and locally. With the new freedom of choice benefit, that individual who could not afford the multiple dues can now join ASA at the level that is most beneficial to his or her business. This is one of the single most important decisions the board of directors has made since the founding of ASA. It is much better to have a member participating in one level of ASA vs. not participating at all. Those who elect to join the association at one level initially are very likely to join additional levels as their business grows and as they realize, firsthand, the benefits that come with membership in ASA. ASA is the largest national association representing the independent aftermarket automotive service industry. As an association, our only duties are to represent and serve our members and to promote and enhance our industry. By having a mandatory membership provision, we were not meeting this charge to its fullest. With the removal of this provision, we can ensure that more shops will have a place at the ASA table so they can share in the benefits of association membership. These benefits include, but are by no means limited to, discounts on various products and services. They also include a full-time legislative representative in Washington, D.C., who serves as a government watchdog for our industry. Additionally, the mechanical and collision division committees are working on multiple fronts to better our industry. Automotive service is a cutting-edge industry. For that reason, ASA must be a cutting-edge association. The board's action propels ASA toward the new millennium. The growth that ASA will experience because of this action will result in greater influence in legislative and regulatory issues as well as expanded opportunities for member benefits. Bud Merwin, president and chief staff executive of ASA, challenges the board, individually and collectively, to make a difference and improve this industry. I know with all certainty that the decision to discontinue mandatory membership requirements and replace it with the freedom of choice member benefit does make a difference and does improve our industry.
The only change the board made is that members and potential members now have the freedom to choose their level of participation in ASA. It is a very fundamental, simple step. But, it's a historical step - one that will strengthen ASA.
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Copyright (c) 1996-2009. Automotive Service Association®. All rights reserved.
 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
It is both an honor and an important responsibility to serve you and this industry as the chairman of the ASA board of directors. My fellow board members and I accept this responsibility and recognize we have a unique opportunity to improve the automotive service industry for every ASA member.
